Is Your Teen Ready to Drive?

When your teen starts to drive or even gets ready to start learning you begin to look at your car with a totally different perspective.  Stay at Home Mom Tamara McLellan looks at some of the latest models from the eye of a mom of a future driver.

IS YOUR TEEN READY TO DRIVE?

by Tamara McLellan

Parents evaluating and buying a car for a first-time driver should compare vehicles based on reliability, safety, and the total cost of ownership, according to Edmunds.com.

While you can find safety information from secondary sources, there are two organizations that conduct independent tests and provide the results directly to consumers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, (NHTSA), uses a 5-star rating scale featured on all window stickers displayed on new vehicles. These results are also available at SaferCar.gov. Since 2011, its ratings have included additional tests of crash avoidance technologies, which are not part of the star rating system. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, (IIHS), also rates vehicles in five categories and awards TOP SAFETY PICK and TOP SAFETY PICK+ honors to note exceptionally safe automobiles. Shoppers should check ratings from both organizations and compare.

Reliability and total cost of ownership should also come into play; you don't want your first-time driver stranded with a broken down car, and you don't want to be pouring money into a car that's overly expensive to drive and maintain. Kelley Blue Book is a good source for information on both, even offering a 5-year cost to own award that features cars in every category from sub-compact to luxury and evaluates everything from purchase price to gas mileage.

Given this criteria, here are some affordable options you should consider.

2013 Nissan Altima

This affordable, reliable sedan received the highest rating, (Good), on four out of five of the IIHS tests, and was judged as acceptable, (the second highest rating), on the fifth. It was ranked #5 in affordable midsize cars by U.S. News and World Report. Finally, it received an overall 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA. Car and Driver noted that this model not only makes a great first impression, but it also stands up to a second glance.


image courtesy of PHX dealerships

2013 Chevrolet Malibu

Edmunds.com includes this on its list of suggested cars for first-time drivers. It drives well, has a nice ride, and the IIHS rated it as Good in three different crash tests. It's also available in an Eco model with a partial hybrid engine. Cars.com called it a solid sedan in its review. The Malibu got a redesign in 2013; it now features a very modern style and 10 airbags.


flickr image by sarahlarson

2013 Hyundai Sonata

The Hyundai Sonata appears twice on the Edmunds list mentioned above, in both its 2012 and 2011 incarnation, and the 2013 model ranked as number 2 on the U.S. News list of affordable midsize cars. It gets 24 mpg city and 35 mpg highway with an optional turbo engine for more power. Hyundai offers an exceptional warranty, covering the powertrain for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Finally, The NHTSA gave it an overall 5 out of 5 star rating. This is a safe, reliable, and stylish choice.


flickr image by MSVG

2011 Ford Focus Sedan

The last car on our list was included on the Consumer Reports list of best cars for teen drivers, and on its list of five best cars for teens. It boasts good fuel economy and a comfortable ride. This is the most affordable of the cars listed, with an estimated market value starting just under $12,000. The IIHS rates it as Good in three of four tested categories and Acceptable on the fourth. It gets good gas mileage and includes some high-tech entertainment options.


Guest Post by Tamara McLellan

Tamara recently quit teaching third grade to be a full-time mom (she is expecting her first this fall). Writing has been the only thing keeping her sane in between bouts of morning sickness. All content and links are those of the author.